The Emblem of Roman Power and Gentile Faith
The Centurion was one of the most recognizable and important figures in the Roman army, serving as the backbone of the empire’s military might and political stability. Derived from the Latin centuria (a company of approximately 100 men), the Centurion was a professional officer, renowned for his discipline, courage, and authority. Their frequent and positive appearances in the Gospels and the Book of Acts offer profound lessons in faith, obedience, and the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
The Authority of Rome
The Centurion commanded a centuria, usually the smallest unit in a Roman legion. They were promoted from the ranks based on merit, not birth, and thus were respected for their experience and tactical skill. In Judea, the Centurions represented the occupying authority of Caesar and the absolute power of the empire.
In the New Testament, they serve as powerful symbols of:
- Strict Order: They enforced law and order, maintaining control over a restive populace, including at the time of the Crucifixion.
- Absolute Obedience: They understood the chain of command, as highlighted by the Centurion who approached Christ.
Three Pivotal Centurions of the New Testament
Scripture highlights three specific Centurions, each pivotal in demonstrating God’s sovereign plan to reach beyond Israel:
1. The Centurion of Capernaum (The Example of Great Faith)
This Centurion came to Jesus seeking healing for his paralyzed servant. What made his request astonishing was his humble declaration of Christ’s authority, rooted in his own military experience:
“The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.” (Matthew 8:8-9, KJV)
Jesus was so moved by this man’s understanding of spiritual authority that He declared: “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Matthew 8:10, KJV). This moment prophesied the future inclusion of the Gentiles.
2. The Centurion at the Cross (The First Confession)
The Centurion in charge of the execution detail at Calvary witnessed the events surrounding Christ’s death—the darkness, the earthquake, and the manner of Jesus’ final breath. This physical evidence of divine power led to the first recorded Gentile confession:
“Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54, KJV)
This soldier, who carried out the death sentence, became an immediate witness to the Messiah’s true identity, demonstrating that the Truth breaks through even the hardest hearts.
3. Cornelius of Caesarea (The Gateway to the Gentiles)
Cornelius was a devout Centurion in the Italian band at Caesarea. He was not only a man of prayer but one who feared God. God specifically chose him to be the first fully pagan convert whose inclusion into the Church was sanctioned by the Holy Spirit, leading to Peter’s famous revelation:
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” (Acts 10:34, KJV)
Cornelius and his household received the Holy Ghost and were baptized, marking the official, undeniable transition of the Gospel from an exclusively Jewish faith to a worldwide movement encompassing all nations.
The Centurion’s Spiritual Lesson
The Centurion, the representative of Caesar’s worldly power, ironically became the vehicle for some of the greatest demonstrations of Christ’s spiritual authority and the establishment of the church. They teach us that true faith is not restricted by race, status, or power, but is defined by humble submission to the absolute, spoken Word of God.